MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

Saturday & Sunday, May 11 & 12, 9am – 6pm

Did you know Surinam toad eggs are embedded into the skin on their mom’s back or that green tree python moms coil themselves around a clutch of eggs during incubation but leave their newborns to fend for themselves once they’ve hatched? Learn more fascinating facts about animal parents when you “shell-abrate” fin-tastic moms.

Visiting moms/stepmoms/foster moms/grandmas save $5 at the Ticket Counter for in-person adult admission with the purchase of another adult or child ticket on Mother’s Day Weekend.

Parenting-themed trivia, extended hours and a “fin”tastic parent pin (while supplies last) are all included with general admission.

We’re also offering everyone the opportunity to swap the more traditional slippers, mugs and candles for the gift of a year’s worth of undersea adventures with a 10% discount on any level Greater Cleveland Aquarium Annual Pass May 11 & 12 (with code 10MOM2024). In addition to unlimited daily return admission for the family, membership perks include free parking while visiting, exclusive programming, discounted and free events, birthday party and gift shop savings and more.

General $19.95 (ages 13+), $13.95 (ages 2-12), $0 (under 2)
Moms/Stepmoms/Foster moms/Grandmas: $14.95 (with the purchase of another adult or child ticket)
Passholders FREE

Answer 3 animal parenting questions to be entered for a chance to win a Greater Cleveland Aquarium Family Pass or a 1-year extension your current Aquarium membership ($130 value) AND a $30 gift certificate for our Gift Shop.

Complete a craft with a team member and warm up with some hot chocolate and cookies while exploring the Aquarium before doors open to the public.

FREE for Passholders with advance registration. (You must be logged into your member account online to access tickets.)

Splash of Romance

Valentine’s Day Weekend Activities

Saturday, February 10-Wednesday, February 14, 10am – 5pm

Visit during Valentine’s Day Weekend . . . Weedy seadragons court by showing off their dance moves.  Solomon Island leaf frogs vocalize loudly to attract partners, while male red-eared sliders “­flutter” their claws around a potential mate’s face. Love is always in the air—and underwater—at Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Add a Splash of Romance to your life and visit the Flats West Bank aquarium with friends, family or anyone close to your heart. Love songs, a Valentine’s Day-themed Scavenger Hunt and photo ops add to your date.

Enter for a chance to win prizes you’ll love . . . One lucky romantic the chance to share their love of Cleveland with a special someone (or someones) by entering the Splash of Romance Giveaway online. U.S. residents ages 21 and up are invited to enter by February 14, 2024, for a chance to win a dining, shopping and entertainment prize package valued at more than $750.

Chosen at random, the giveaway winner receives a year of aquatic adventures that include a $90 Greater Cleveland Aquarium Couple Annual Pass and a $75 Gift Shop certificate; the chance to savor Luca Restaurants’ extraordinary Italian food, incredible wines and delicious desserts with a $150 gift certificate for Acqua di Luca (downtown), Luca Italian Cuisine (Superior Viaduct) or Luca West (Westlake); $150 toward a lunch, brunch or dinner cruise with amazing views aboard Cleveland’s newest attraction—Lady Caroline; a store gift certificate, pizza and swag bag from Tremont gathering spot and independent new-and-used bookseller Visible Voice Books ($100 value); the opportunity to enjoy a concert on the Cuyahoga at Music Box Supper Club using a $100 voucher; and a gift certificate and coffee three-pack from artisanal roasting company Ready Set! Coffee ($100 value).

Click here for complete Splash of Romance Giveaway rules.

Splash of Romance Valentine’s Day Weekend is included with general admission.

General $19.95 (ages 13+), $13.95 (ages 2-12), $0 (under 2)
Passholders FREE

One (1) Splash of Romance Giveaway winner will be chosen randomly and only one (1) entry is eligible per email address. By entering, you acknowledge you are 21 or older and have read and understand the complete rules posted here.

SPRING DISCOVERY DAYS

Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, April 7, 10am – 5pm

Did you know that dwarf seahorses are only about one inch long as adults; or that little Eastern musk turtles emit a big odor to deter predators? Have you noticed there is no webbing between a green-and-black poison dart frog’s toes; or seen the disk on a Northern clingfish’s belly that lets it suction tightly to slimy or rocky surfaces? While the ragged-tooth sandtiger sharks gliding through the Aquarium’s 230,000-gallon shark habitat are always going to make a big impression, we invite guests to stop and appreciate some of the smaller species with contests, daily animal encounters and activities.

On Fridays, March 22 & 29 and April 5 from 11am – 3pm, Northeast Ohio traveling animal educator Nora the Explorer will give guests of all ages the opportunity to learn about, get close to and even touch some remarkable little critters.

In addition to in-person activities, the Aquarium is offering an online Tiny Trivia Giveaway (ages 18+, one entry per person, $125 prize package) and a virtual Take a Closer Look program (Thursday, April 4, 4 – 4:30pm; $10 per screen general, free for Aquarium Passholders).  The Educator-led online adventure offers participants up-close views of small animals and the chance to ask their big questions in real-time.

Spring Discovery Days Presenter Nora the Explorer: 

$19.95 (ages 13+), $13.95 (ages 2-12), $0 (all Passholders and guests younger than 2)

Test your small species knowledge with A Little Trivia. Ages 18+. One entry per email. 

Ask your BIG questions about some very small animals during the Educator-led Take a Closer Look online tour and Q&A. ($10 per screen, Passholders FREE with advance registration)

Passholders are invited to take a sneak peek behind-the-scenes for our freshwater galleries, complete a craft with one of our team members, enjoy story time, get a complimentary photo from the photo booth or just enjoy the Aquarium without first-time guest crowds.

FREE for Passholders with advance registration. (You must be logged into your member account online to access tickets.)

United Black Fund

Difference-Makers Days

Now – Sunday, January 21, 10am – 5pm

Greater Cleveland Aquarium invites you to learn about pioneering individuals who left their mark on marine science, environmental research and diving over the years while supporting United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland Inc. (UBF), an organization making a positive impact on the Black communities in Northeast Ohio today. In addition to highlighting the achievements of African American innovators, during Difference-Makers Days (Monday, January 15 – Sunday, January 21, 2024, 10am – 5pm) the Aquarium will discount admission by $5 per person and donate $1 from each ticket sold directly to UBF.

UBF actively engages with grass roots agencies tackling important issues around race, equity, inclusion, poverty, mental health, violence, education and workforce development in Greater Cleveland.  The friend- and fund-raiser week kicks off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  UBF representatives will be on-site for MLK Day and January 20-21 to share their mission. Can’t visit during Difference-Makers Days? Anyone interested in giving is encouraged to visit unitedblackfund.org and/or “Text to Give” by sending UBF to 50155.

General Ages 13+: $14.95
($1 of each ticket donated to UBF)
General Children Ages 2-12: $8.95
($1 of each ticket donated to UBF)
Aquarium Passholders Free
(optional ability to donate on-site or by texting UBF to 50155)

*NOTE: Greater Cleveland Aquarium is open 10am – 5pm daily. Regular admission (returning January 22, 2024) is $19.95 (ages 13+), $13.95 (ages 2-12) and free (under age 2 and Passholders with advance reservations).

Enhance your homeschool journey with special program days designed for families. Enjoy special admission rates and unique experiences tailored for at-home learners with advance registration. Each program day explores a fun, educational theme. Choose your favorite or join us for all!

Embark on a self-guided scavenger hunt through our galleries, using themed activity sheets curated for students of all ages. Visit our educator-led stations for hands-on learning and check the daily schedule for additional fun.

Explore the difference between climate and weather, discover how animals survive the winter months, compare Ohio animal adaptations to animals in the tropics and find fish with “cool” names.

Educator-led winter activity available between: 10:30-11:30am & 12:30-1:30pm

Scavenger hunt available 10am-5pm

Get ready to explore the vibrant shapes and colors of aquatic creatures. You’ll be amazed at how different marine animals use camouflage to blend into their environments, ambush prey or hide from predators. Uncover the hidden beauty and survival strategies of underwater life during this vibrant aquatic adventure.

Educator-led activity available between: 10:30-11:30am & 12:30-1:30pm

Scavenger hunt available 10am-5pm

Appreciate the little things! Take a closer look at unique adaptations and be wowed by biodiversity. Join us this Earth Day to discover what you can do to have a positive impact on aquatic life.

*Overlaps with the Aquarium’s Spring Discovery Days. Take advantage of this discounted rate for homeschool families

Educator-led activity available: TBD

Scavenger hunt available 10am-5pm

Discover how sharks and stingrays are vital to a healthy ocean ecosystem. Find out what makes elasmobranchs unique during this JAWsome Aquarium visit.

*Overlaps with the Aquarium’s Fin Fest. Take advantage of this discounted rate for homeschool families.

Educator-led activity available: TBD

Scavenger hunt available 10am-5pm

Plan your visit to coordinate with the Daily Activities Schedule.

$11 general, homeschool students (age 2+) & adults

FREE, Passholders & guests younger than 2

Advance registration required. 

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Each Homeschool Class offers 2 simultaneous sessions:
10:15am –11:30am (grades 4-8)
10:15am – 11:30am (grades K-3)

• Each session contains unique, age-appropriate activities.
• Sessions begin promptly at 10:15am, please arrive on time.
• Adults are expected to stay and participate in the program with their students.
• Class fee includes the program PLUS Aquarium admission for the full day. Please feel welcome to explore the galleries more thoroughly after class.
• The classroom will remain available for 30min following the program.
• Please feel welcome to bring and eat a packed lunch. Zero waste lunches are highly encouraged.

Advance registration is required. 

Student: $11
Passholder student: $8
Adult: $11
Passholder adult: $8
Sibling child (age 2-4): $11
Passholder sibling child (ages 2-4): $8

Guests younger than age 2 are free.

Investigate how living things have adaptations to help them get oxygen, find food, use water and seek shelter. Which animals breathe with lungs and which breathe with gills? Is there a fish that actually spits water to hunt? Who has the most impressive camouflage? Observe hundreds of amazing animal adaptations on a guided scavenger hunt through the Aquarium.

After working as a team to build both a freshwater and saltwater food chain, journey into the Aquarium to find out what animals eat. Learn how certain animals avoid becoming prey by utilizing venomous spines, poisonous glands, incredible camouflage and more. Explore what and how aquatic producers, herbivores, carnivores and omnivores eat. Discover how humans fit into the food chain too!